Electric combination lock switch



June 19, 1934. Q J sTRElB 1,963,875

ELECTRIC COMB INATION LOCK SWITCH Filed Sept. 18, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet l a/ /aswf 62 68 INVENTOR ATTOR N EY June 19, 1934. c J s B 1,963,875

ELECTRIC COMBINATION LOCK SWITCH Filed Sept. 18, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 I I I Q? l, I I I I f I g a --}5 JO 6 I INVENTOR 35 meral 1 indicates a switch supporting plate con- .45 be easily distinguished from each other.

' be confined within a suitable casing, not shown,

Patented June 19, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

This invention relates to electrical combination lock switches for controlling electrical circuits, and has for the primary object the provision of a device of the above stated character which will be simple in construction, positive in operation and capable of providing a large variety of combinations and wherein any one of the combinations may be readily changed to another combination.

With these and other objects in view this invention consists in certain novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts to be hereinafter more fully described and claimed.

For a complete understanding of my invention,

' reference is to be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a top plan view illustrating an electrical combination lock switch constructed in accordance with my invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a detail sectional View showing a connecting post employed between a series of cleats constituting part of the switch.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view showing one of the switch elements in circuit closing position.

Figure 6 is a similar view showing breaking of the circuit by the switch element.

Figure 7 is a diagrammatical view illustrating the wiring diagram of the switch.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the nustructed of insulating material and arranged above the plate 1 is a guide plate 2 also constructed of insulated material. Arranged above the plate 2 are plates 3 and 4 closely associated with each other and cooperating with the plate 2 in slidably supporting a series of plungers 5 each provided with a finger piece 6. The finger pieces 6 each are designated by a character, as shown in Figure 1, so that the various plungers may One of the plungers is centrally located with respect to the described plates while the other plungers are located circularly adjacent the periphery of the plates. It is intended that the plates described with the plate 4 exposed to view. The plates are connected by tie bolts 7 having spaced sleeves 8 thereon for retaining the various plates in proper relation to each other. The plungers 5 are normally urged away from the plate 1 by springs 9.

A plurality of double acting switches 10 are supported on the switch plate 1 and each include bifurcated contacts 11, 12 and 13. Each contact 12 has pivoted thereto a switch lever 14 adapted to alternatingly engage the contacts 13 and 11 during its pivotal movement. The switch levers 14 are grouped radially upon the switch plate 1 with their inner ends terminating adjacent the center of the plate to be engaged by the centrally located plunger. Each contact is provided with a binding post 15. The centrally arranged plunger when moved against the action of its respective spring is adapted to simultaneously position all of the switch levers 14 in engagement with their respective contacts 11 and when in this position break the electrical circuit to which the switch is connected. In order to close the circuit certain plungers of the circularly arranged group must be actuated so that certain of the switch levers 14 will be moved in engagement with their respective contacts 13. Therefore, it is necessary that a person know the combination in order to complete the circuit by this switch, as for instance, if an incorrect plunger is manipulated to cause pivotal movement of an improper switch lever to the combination, the circuit will remain broken due to the fact that that particular switch lever moves out of engagement with its respective contact 11.

By referring to Figure 7 it will be seen how the switch is connected into an electric circuit 16, the latter being provided with an electrical source 17. Also it is to be noted in this view how the various switches are electrically connected by conductors 18. By rearranging the electrical connections between the various switches the combination can be easily varied.

A switch constructed in accordance with the foregoing is simple in construction, compact and only operable by a person having knowledge of the proper combination and also is capable of having the combination easily changed and furthermore a switch of this character, through the operation of one plunger can break the circuit but requiring operation of several plungers before the circuit can be completed.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it will be understood that minor changes in construction,

combination and arrangement of parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention, as claimed.

closing of the circuit by said switches must be through the operation of certain of said plungers while operation of the other plungers maintains the switches in position to break the circuit, said pivotal levers arranged radially upon the'supporting structure, and a spring pressed plunger to engage the levers simultaneously for breaking the circuit. ,7

' CHARLES J. STREIB.

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